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Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites: A Light and Flavorful Snack for Every Occasion

When it comes to appetizers, few dishes can boast the perfect combination of lightness, flavor, and ease of preparation like Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites. This delightful recipe features juicy, spicy shrimp seasoned with a bold Creole blend, placed atop cool, crisp cucumber slices, and topped with a creamy avocado sauce. Add in an optional drizzle of zesty remoulade sauce, and you’ve got a snack that will be the star of any event. Whether you’re preparing for a casual get-together, a big game party, or a special occasion, these bites are sure to be a hit with your guests. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few minutes of your time.

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Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites: A Light and Flavorful Snack for Every Occasion

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🌟 Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites – a burst of freshness in every bite! đŸ„’đŸ„‘ These flavorful snacks are topped with smoky blackened shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber for the ultimate bite-sized delight. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or whenever you need a light, satisfying treat! đŸœïž

#BlackenedShrimp đŸ€ #AvocadoLovers đŸ„‘ #CrunchyCucumber đŸ„’ #HealthyBites 💚 #FlavorExplosion đŸŒ¶ïž #AppetizerGoals 🍮 #SimpleAndFresh đŸŒ± #QuickAndTasty ⏱ #FreshAndLight 🧑‍🍮 #SnackPerfection 😋

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp and Cucumber Bites:

  • 1 tablespoon oil: The oil will be used to cook the shrimp, ensuring a golden and crispy blackened exterior.
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning: This spice blend is what gives the shrimp its signature smoky heat. It’s packed with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices that infuse the shrimp with an irresistible flavor.
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh, medium-sized shrimp are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the Creole seasoning beautifully. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute them with grilled or pan-seared chicken or beef strips for a different twist.
  • 1 cucumber, sliced: The cucumber serves as the base for the bites. Its crisp texture and refreshing taste complement the heat from the blackened shrimp and the creaminess of the avocado sauce.
  • 1/4 cup remoulade sauce (optional): This tangy, flavorful sauce adds an extra layer of richness to the dish. While optional, it pairs wonderfully with the blackened shrimp and provides a zesty contrast to the creamy avocado.

For the Avocado Sauce:

  • 1 avocado, mashed: The avocado is the star of the sauce, offering a rich, creamy texture that balances the heat of the shrimp. It’s full of healthy fats and has a mild, neutral flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced or chopped: The green onion adds a mild onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. It also provides a slight crunch that contrasts nicely with the smooth avocado.
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro and/or parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs are a must in this recipe. Cilantro adds a burst of citrusy freshness, while parsley offers a more subtle, herbaceous note. Feel free to use both or choose the one you prefer.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brings acidity to the sauce, helping to cut through the richness of the avocado and shrimp. It also brightens up the entire dish.
  • Salt and cayenne to taste: Season the sauce with salt to enhance the flavors and a pinch of cayenne pepper for an added kick.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

Begin by prepping the shrimp. In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with oil and Creole seasoning, ensuring that each piece is coated in the flavorful spice blend. The oil will help the seasoning adhere to the shrimp while also creating a crispy outer layer during cooking.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are slightly blackened around the edges. The Creole seasoning will give them a deep, smoky flavor and a beautiful sear. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and dry.

3. Slice the Cucumber:

While the shrimp cooks, slice the cucumber into thin rounds. The cucumber provides a fresh, crisp base for the shrimp and avocado, offering a cooling contrast to the spicy shrimp. Arrange the cucumber slices on a serving platter, creating a neat and even layer.

4. Make the Avocado Sauce:

In a small bowl, mash the avocado until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the green onion, cilantro (or parsley), lemon juice, salt, and cayenne. Stir everything together until well combined. The avocado sauce should be smooth with a slight tang from the lemon juice and a mild heat from the cayenne. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

5. Assemble the Bites:

To assemble the bites, take a cucumber slice and top it with a generous dollop of avocado sauce. Place a blackened shrimp on top of the avocado sauce and finish with a drizzle of remoulade sauce, if desired. The shrimp should be slightly elevated on the cucumber slice, showcasing the vibrant colors of the dish.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites immediately, garnishing with extra cilantro or parsley if desired. These bites are best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumber provides the perfect crunch and the shrimp stays tender. You can also serve these alongside a light salad or as part of a larger spread for parties.

Notes

  • Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or simply want to switch things up, you can easily substitute the shrimp with chicken or beef. Grilled chicken strips or seared beef tenderloin would work wonderfully in this recipe, providing a hearty and flavorful alternative to the shrimp.
  • For a Milder Flavor: If you prefer a milder version of this dish, reduce the amount of Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper. You can also omit the remoulade sauce if you want to tone down the spice level even further.
  • Make it a Full Meal: If you’re looking to make this dish more substantial, consider turning it into a salad. Toss the blackened shrimp and cucumber bites with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a light yet filling meal.
  • Customize the Sauce: While the avocado sauce is delicious on its own, feel free to get creative! You can add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess or swap the lemon juice for lime juice to add a zesty twist.
  • Make Ahead: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some components in advance. The avocado sauce can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

If you’re looking for a dish that offers a burst of bold flavors with a refreshing, cooling contrast, look no further. Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites are the ideal choice. This recipe combines the heat of Creole seasoning with the cool crunch of cucumber and the creaminess of avocado, resulting in a dish that’s satisfying yet light enough to enjoy without feeling overly full. Perfect for any occasion, this dish can also be customized based on your preferences, making it as versatile as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of only 10 minutes, you’ll have these flavorful bites ready in no time.
  • Light Yet Satisfying: The cucumber base provides a refreshing crunch, while the blackened shrimp offers a rich, savory flavor. The avocado sauce adds a creamy element that brings everything together.
  • Healthy: Packed with protein from the shrimp (or chicken/beef for substitutions), healthy fats from the avocado, and plenty of fresh herbs, these bites are a nutritious choice for any gathering.
  • Customizable: You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or beef for a different flavor profile, or adjust the seasoning and sauces to suit your taste preferences.

Now that you know why this recipe is a winner, let’s dive into the details and explore how to make these amazing Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites from scratch.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe is all about bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Shrimp and Cucumber Bites:

  • 1 tablespoon oil: The oil will be used to cook the shrimp, ensuring a golden and crispy blackened exterior.
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning: This spice blend is what gives the shrimp its signature smoky heat. It’s packed with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices that infuse the shrimp with an irresistible flavor.
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh, medium-sized shrimp are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the Creole seasoning beautifully. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute them with grilled or pan-seared chicken or beef strips for a different twist.
  • 1 cucumber, sliced: The cucumber serves as the base for the bites. Its crisp texture and refreshing taste complement the heat from the blackened shrimp and the creaminess of the avocado sauce.
  • 1/4 cup remoulade sauce (optional): This tangy, flavorful sauce adds an extra layer of richness to the dish. While optional, it pairs wonderfully with the blackened shrimp and provides a zesty contrast to the creamy avocado.

For the Avocado Sauce:

  • 1 avocado, mashed: The avocado is the star of the sauce, offering a rich, creamy texture that balances the heat of the shrimp. It’s full of healthy fats and has a mild, neutral flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced or chopped: The green onion adds a mild onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. It also provides a slight crunch that contrasts nicely with the smooth avocado.
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro and/or parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs are a must in this recipe. Cilantro adds a burst of citrusy freshness, while parsley offers a more subtle, herbaceous note. Feel free to use both or choose the one you prefer.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brings acidity to the sauce, helping to cut through the richness of the avocado and shrimp. It also brightens up the entire dish.
  • Salt and cayenne to taste: Season the sauce with salt to enhance the flavors and a pinch of cayenne pepper for an added kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

Begin by prepping the shrimp. In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with oil and Creole seasoning, ensuring that each piece is coated in the flavorful spice blend. The oil will help the seasoning adhere to the shrimp while also creating a crispy outer layer during cooking.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are slightly blackened around the edges. The Creole seasoning will give them a deep, smoky flavor and a beautiful sear. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and dry.

3. Slice the Cucumber:

While the shrimp cooks, slice the cucumber into thin rounds. The cucumber provides a fresh, crisp base for the shrimp and avocado, offering a cooling contrast to the spicy shrimp. Arrange the cucumber slices on a serving platter, creating a neat and even layer.

4. Make the Avocado Sauce:

In a small bowl, mash the avocado until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the green onion, cilantro (or parsley), lemon juice, salt, and cayenne. Stir everything together until well combined. The avocado sauce should be smooth with a slight tang from the lemon juice and a mild heat from the cayenne. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

5. Assemble the Bites:

To assemble the bites, take a cucumber slice and top it with a generous dollop of avocado sauce. Place a blackened shrimp on top of the avocado sauce and finish with a drizzle of remoulade sauce, if desired. The shrimp should be slightly elevated on the cucumber slice, showcasing the vibrant colors of the dish.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites immediately, garnishing with extra cilantro or parsley if desired. These bites are best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumber provides the perfect crunch and the shrimp stays tender. You can also serve these alongside a light salad or as part of a larger spread for parties.

Tips and Variations

  • Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or simply want to switch things up, you can easily substitute the shrimp with chicken or beef. Grilled chicken strips or seared beef tenderloin would work wonderfully in this recipe, providing a hearty and flavorful alternative to the shrimp.
  • For a Milder Flavor: If you prefer a milder version of this dish, reduce the amount of Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper. You can also omit the remoulade sauce if you want to tone down the spice level even further.
  • Make it a Full Meal: If you’re looking to make this dish more substantial, consider turning it into a salad. Toss the blackened shrimp and cucumber bites with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a light yet filling meal.
  • Customize the Sauce: While the avocado sauce is delicious on its own, feel free to get creative! You can add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess or swap the lemon juice for lime juice to add a zesty twist.
  • Make Ahead: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some components in advance. The avocado sauce can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites are the perfect combination of bold flavors and refreshing textures. From the smoky heat of the Creole-seasoned shrimp to the creamy avocado sauce and the cool crunch of cucumber, every bite is a delight. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a party or enjoying them as a light meal, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it based on your preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delicious bites in their own way.

So, the next time you’re in need of a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish, look no further than these Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy any craving. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite – your taste buds will thank you!

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